Inklingo

How to Say "to adopt" in Spanish

English → Spanish

adoptar

/ah-dohp-TAHR//aðopˈtaɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'adoptar' when legally taking a child or pet into your family, or when formally taking on a measure, policy, or attitude.
A smiling child hugging a friendly golden retriever in a cozy living room, symbolizing a new family bond.

Examples

Decidimos adoptar un niño huérfano.

We decided to adopt an orphan child.

Queremos adoptar un perro del refugio.

We want to adopt a dog from the shelter.

Ellos decidieron adoptar a un niño.

They decided to adopt a child.

Adoptar una mascota es una gran responsabilidad.

Adopting a pet is a big responsibility.

The Personal 'a'

When adopting a specific person or a beloved pet, you must use the word 'a' before them: 'Adoptamos a Juan' or 'Adopté a mi gato'.

Abstract Nouns

Unlike the family sense, this version of 'adoptar' usually connects directly to words like 'medidas' (measures) or 'normas' (rules) without needing 'a'.

Missing the 'a' with pets

Mistake: “Adopté mi perro el año pasado.”

Correction: Adopté a mi perro el año pasado. Use 'a' when the animal is treated like a family member.

Overusing 'tomar'

Mistake: “El jefe tomó una actitud difícil.”

Correction: El jefe adoptó una actitud difícil. While 'tomar' is okay, 'adoptar' sounds more professional when describing a mindset.

adoptar

/ah-dohp-TAHR//aðopˈtaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'adoptar' when formally taking on a measure, policy, or attitude.
A smiling child hugging a friendly golden retriever in a cozy living room, symbolizing a new family bond.

Examples

La empresa adoptará nuevas tecnologías para mejorar la producción.

The company will adopt new technologies to improve production.

Queremos adoptar un perro del refugio.

We want to adopt a dog from the shelter.

Ellos decidieron adoptar a un niño.

They decided to adopt a child.

Adoptar una mascota es una gran responsabilidad.

Adopting a pet is a big responsibility.

The Personal 'a'

When adopting a specific person or a beloved pet, you must use the word 'a' before them: 'Adoptamos a Juan' or 'Adopté a mi gato'.

Abstract Nouns

Unlike the family sense, this version of 'adoptar' usually connects directly to words like 'medidas' (measures) or 'normas' (rules) without needing 'a'.

Missing the 'a' with pets

Mistake: “Adopté mi perro el año pasado.”

Correction: Adopté a mi perro el año pasado. Use 'a' when the animal is treated like a family member.

Overusing 'tomar'

Mistake: “El jefe tomó una actitud difícil.”

Correction: El jefe adoptó una actitud difícil. While 'tomar' is okay, 'adoptar' sounds more professional when describing a mindset.

abrazar

/ah-brah-SAHR//a.βɾa.ˈθaɾ/

verbB2general
Use 'abrazar' metaphorically to mean embracing a cause, belief, or way of life, often with strong personal commitment.
A person standing with open arms towards a bright, glowing sun on the horizon.

Examples

Él eligió abrazar una vida de servicio a los demás.

He chose to embrace a life of service to others.

Él decidió abrazar la vida religiosa.

He decided to embrace the religious life.

La empresa debe abrazar el cambio tecnológico.

The company must embrace technological change.

Abrazó la causa de los derechos humanos.

She embraced the cause of human rights.

Abstract Objects

When using 'abrazar' for ideas or causes, you don't usually need the personal 'a' unless you are personifying the idea.

Adoptar vs. Abrazar

Learners often confuse 'adoptar' and 'abrazar' because 'embrace' is a translation for both. Remember: 'adoptar' is for concrete actions like taking in a child or implementing a policy, while 'abrazar' is for abstract concepts like a lifestyle or belief.

Related Translations

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